03 Atavism of the Ifrit Read online

  “Master?” Panther asked but was waved off.

  Only Kanade was aware and told the table what he was doing.

  Inside Ethan’s mind, tendrils of thought spread throughout the world, not slowed by air, water or even the planet. With focus in mind, the tendrils shot northerly and to the east, straight for Gairlochy, Scotland. A small village town, but to the west of it, hidden by powerful spells that read intention. Sensing harmless intent and recognition, the barrier allowed the strands through. Knowing exactly where to go was not difficult as it was home for a time.

  Cloaked forever in flame slept Celestia the Phoenix. A rather large bird with a temper to match her ability. She was both beautiful for a giant bird of prey, but also vicious. In a smooth stone nest she felt a presence so overwhelming and alien it frightened even her. Her orange and red flames turned a violent blue as she snapped regardless of her fright “What coward can’t stand before me and…”

  “Master? … Celestia, it’s me.”

  “This voice… it cannot be… Dimwit?!” a deep mental chuckle reverberated through her and she found her flames cooling back to orange without intention.

  “That’s new, but yeah… Floa just showed up and told us what you did to Fate.”

  “Bloody fool. Deserved it. He was too late in coming to slander your good name and tell us to deny you allowance to step foot on our soil. Are you well? Did you kick his ass again? Does he really have an ass or is he some form of squid?”

  Another chuckle translated through their connection. “No, he’s sulking since his plans all backfired when I fought and cursed both him and Daddy dearest. The other hounds sent after us are well chained up. To hear you pecked and set him on fire made me feel good.”

  “Lots of good it did. He was unharmed. I didn’t even singe that bloody black business suit of his.”

  “It is the thought that counts to me and you know it.”

  “Of course it is. Fate and the Spirit King aren’t in good standing right now with many of the Houses. Especially those who fought alongside you and know you aren’t the monster Fate claims… other than King Grayback who is still recovering from your palm print. Cudos by the way. That bloody bastard needed to be knocked down a peg, but I’m never around to send him squealing back to his nest.”

  “I’m glad you are so protective of me.”

  “I don’t take apprentices lightly. I see you as one of my chicks. No one dares endanger my chicks.” She chirped.

  “Well looks like Kanade and I both got new mothers.”

  A new presence, one not as strong, but never had Celestia felt the gentleness and knew right away who it was. “Celestia, may I ask you for a favor?”

  “For you, Kanade… or as you are now being spoken of, Love, I’m listening.”

  “My angel and I were discussin’ a good role model when the day comes that we have a child. It’ll likely be like him with dual energies. Our babies will learn a lot, but we want them raised well rounded. If ever there was a draconian grandmotherly figure, we’d want you. If the day comes, will you teach our children like you did Ethan?”

  So sudden was this request that Celestia was caught by complete surprise. The two of them decided to back off and let her think on it but she had to ask “Will that even be possible? I mean, Ifrit hatchlings aren’t pushovers. I’ve fought a fair share in the celestial war and even the young are deadly. Have you thought this through?”

  Kanade’s mind remained gentle and sweet. “Oh, you better believe I or Ethan will whip them into well behaved babies, but we decided if any come our way we want them raised good and see the benefits and downsides to both Chaos and Order. A few years under your care and they will know consequences and good behavior. Bein’ fire children, you’d be immune… especially if you remove your aura sealer. When we go we won’t be commin’ back, but we won’t be gone forever. Our babies need a grandmother and Floa I’m sure will teach them to be pests.”

  “To balance it we need a badass grandma and none are even close to you.” Complimented her former pupil.

  “Then if the day comes I’ll be glad to help raise a spirited chick. I’ve got three centuries thereabouts before my mate and I go mad with mating lust. I must make sure that annoying Pixie doesn’t spoil one of my grand-chicks. Better yet, send all of them to me when you feel they won’t endanger others.”

  “All?” Asked Kanade with uncertainty.

  “The butterfly told me you bonded with a Yuki-onna last night and you being a Mistress. Any chicks Ethan has that come from his scrotum, send them to me. You won’t mate with weak females. I’ll make sure they find the value of hard work with ones hands. I’ll have no lazy chicks. A lazy body is a lazy mind. If you want a draconian instructor, I’ll be expecting them.”

  “Thanks… and sorry…” Apologized Ethan as Kanade mentally blew Celestia a kiss and withdrew.

  “What for?” her head jerked like a bird while her eyes stayed closed.

  “For leaving you alone again. I know how happy you were I was staying to work alongside you. Take orders off your hands so you don’t have a century’s long waiting list. You even had a joint account made so we could share…”

  “Oh, you think just because you are some prince I’m letting you go that easily do you?” Oh boy did Ethan know that sarcastic tone. “Last I remembered, you stick by your word. I gave you a few weeks leave. Just because your tail feathers can’t stay doesn’t mean I’ll see you grow fat and lazy on some throne. No! you made me a promise to protect our warriors and arm them in the finest blacksmithing method to exist. You will set aside your royal time to bloody forge materials. Over there they don’t have a rare quantity of thousand year oak. They have something better. In the Forest of the Fox, they have the finest Millennia Mangrove trees that burn an eerie blue. It is a finer material for carbon absorption in my metal, but I can’t get my talons on the stuff and it won’t grow on this world. You are going to continue perfecting the trade I beat into your thick skull or I’ll fly to your little island and peck you so hard I reach brain. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, Ma’am!” she got the mental picture of him saluting smartly with a cheeky grin.

  “And I’ll make sure the addition to my shop is completed for when the day comes you have your chick and give it to me, they will stay there…”

  “During hospital recovery.”

  The timely quip had her chirp a laugh though her beak didn’t allow a smile no matter how hard she tried. Only emerald green eyes showed emotion.

  “I’m glad you told me to continue. I thought you’d forbid me from continuing so as to protect your secrets.”

  “You know as well as I that no demon can touch the metals I select without at least one burning them or causing profound irritation no potion can heal fast enough. I don’t want you teaching anyone, or your chicks. I’ll be the judge. And do not tell them what I’m really like. They need to fear me like everyone else.”

  “You know your secret is safe with Kanade and me. But can I find all the same metals in Demon World?”

  “More readily I assume. As a prince, I don’t see you having much trouble… and the power I feel in my mind… I see no one wanting to stand in your path. Now let me get back to sleep. You know daytime is my rest time. Contact me at sunset.”

  “Thanks, Celestia.” And he withdrew as she curled up in a flaming, feathery ball.

  Returning to the table, Ethan saw Floa in her larger form passing Kanade her points card, works just like credit or a debit card, but paid any earthly currency instantly. She tossed him his old leather wallet and felt a pang of hesitation as the folded leather now seemed so small in his large grasp. Still, it was slid in a back pocket beneath the shortsword, a dagger in his hand.

  “I have good news everyone.” Kyoko said after Dallare’s eyes slid into focus and whispered in her ear.

  “Is it pie?!” Excitedly asked Baldr with an eager bounce.

  “Wha…? Where did that come from?” Floa had a bit of whipl
ash from that suggestion.

  The baby blue skinned Ogre pointed. “She has good news. Pie is great news.”

  Kyoko and Kanade both found it hard not to massage their temples from a headache that resulted.

  “I bet five points your favorite is cherry.” The Pixie said.

  Baldr kissed Kira’s cheek and responded “You’d win.”

  “As I was attempting to say.” Snowflake eyes dared the Ogre to continue his useless babble. He wisely closed his lips and the skin around his eyes faintly crinkled in pain. Kira was obviously pinching something important under the table and it made him behave. “For our dinner this evening I always get what I want and for a special treat, at precisely nine at night, Tokyo time, I’ve gotten us all reservations at Aragawa.”

  Silence reigned after this fact. Everyone knew that was by far one of the most exclusive restaurants around the world. Exclusive and expensive. Only Ethan and Kanade knew of it because Kyoko had given away that information yesterday.

  “Aragawa?” Blake sat his fork down as his undivided attention turned to her. “How have you managed to get us a place so soon?”

  “My great great granddaughter and her mate owns it of course. Her and her Siren husband established it for those of us who have a more luxurious palate and deep pockets. The Kobe beef is sublime.”

  “We’ve gone once.” Reevy said, indicating herself and Blake with a dagger. “It is not very roomy for our larger companions.” Ethan and Kanade. “Ten tables. The meat was good I’ll give you that, but what of our herbivore friends?” Aiming the black painted tip to Vitally and Ellen. Centaurs couldn’t process meat. It made them ill. And irritable. A bad combination.

  “Changes are being made to accommodate the underground area. A secret entrance will be used for us all to comfortably fit. The main one is too narrow for Centaurs let alone you two.” She admitted to the giants to her left. “As for you both.” To the Centaurs. “The finest salad and fruits will be prepared for your enjoyment. All will be my treat.”

  “Sweet!” Magnus chuckled. “I wanted to always try Kobe Beef, but keep forgetting to ask Cook to whip up some. Is it true you feed the cattle Sake regularly?”

  “Yes.”

  “Drunk cows. I’d love to tip a few.” Kanade announced wistfully. Eyes turned widely on her and she shrugged. “Whaaat? Ya’ll know I was raised in Alabama. Cow tippin’ was great entertainment and a mandatory childhood requirement.”

  “And I taught her.” Floa boasted triumphantly.

  Giggles and laughs followed as breakfast was polished off. Plates were washed in the ocean before being sent back to the cabin for further cleaning. Everyone soon gathered and Translocated back to Japan for yet another fun afternoon, evening and night of touring. Kyoko as promised delivered on the meal, stationing her minions outside for privacy. It was alright, but rather basic all things considered. Touring was much more amazing. Still, Ethan ate though hunger hadn’t crept up on him. The fatty Kobe beef was good and Kyoko’s descendant personally waitressed while her Siren lover cooked the meal. Much was left to see, but all the highlights were touched on.

  All in all it was a memorable experience. One that would not be forgotten.

  Certain things were also purchased since they now had their card. A camera to capture everything was one of the first essential things. Nell operated it and was good. Especially since no cameras were designed for Ethan’s new physique.

  Chapter 7

  In two more days it was time to be guided around by another Demon Lord. The day before though Kyoko about fainted in embarrassment and surprise as she led them down the Great Wall of China and Ethan whipped out his one eyed monster and urinated off a tower alongside all the other men. It was a foolish kid dream he had from elementary school and finally a chance came. A chance that wasn’t wasted. The men, Panther included, did it for a laugh mostly after hearing his reason. Some women flicked off their men as they couldn’t do it too. Even Kanade laughed richly. Kyoko had commented she had known Ethan was big, but not so much as she witnessed and was glad she had waited and not try bedding him.

  She had led through her now much extended territory, showing off not only world renowned sites, but veiled ones. Some demons came to see who came on their land by sensing the link and power to their new Lord through recent branding, bowed and retreated without engaging. Not all were happy by their looks after following Sheedan more lenient hand to let them maim and slaughter as they wanted. The new rulers were strict, none more so than under Kyoko’s rule.

  Nights and spare moments found Kyoko and Kanade together rehearsing with Floa and Dallare more often than not nearby. Ethan noticed his angel’s emotions coming to realize that having another woman close by wasn’t so bad, especially when needing smaller hands. Affection had taken root in Love’s mind and heart. They were almost inseparable, like twin sisters. Of course age, experience and personality caused a few bumps, but kindness and patience evened out that road. He saw Kanade’s love for him remain unbreakable, but she had come to accept the other woman as more than a friend. His blood had fundamentally changed her scent and it contributed to Kanade’s transition to enjoy the other woman. Her scent retained a light floral and icy undertone with his own smoky musk that made her not only seem already claimed by him, but also one completely unique and easy to track. Respectfully she kept her distance, focusing most attention on her lover which was fine by him. He’d came to terms it was just a matter of time before they shared company, but she had not asked for so much as a handshake. Not that her wandering gaze didn’t have those intentions. He was still too dangerous as control to not break things too effortlessly was still beyond grasp.

  Kyoko and Kanade were near inseparable, talking day and night. Learning more than just a mistress’ duty. They explored one another intimately in both mind and body and Kyoko slept when it was needed. Usually in a nightshirt with his scent. Life rekindled in those snowflakes day after day in good company. Slowly the cold apathy within the Demon Lord melted in a less formal setting. Ethan silently was proud by how much. He knew it was his angel’s doing mostly. She had that innate ability to show others how one is to enjoy and love life, not just bitterly destroy. Love. The one name she embodied heart, body and soul. A fierce, unyielding, unending love.

  The morning Methrom was to come Ethan had found Dallare crying alone and sat with the Elf, not saying anything for a quarter hour, just letting her hold onto a soft, furry leg and said nothing till she was ready. Apparently they were happy tears she didn’t want her friend and master to see them. The she-Elf had also noticed what Ethan had, knowing her mistress many thousands of years longer. She told him in confidence the tears were of happiness. It wasn’t often Kyoko cracked a smile, even to her former lovers. In just a few days Dallare found Kyoko not only smirking, but smiling without force. A smile that reached the eyes with honesty. He sat unmoving and in silence, letting the little woman with black hair express herself.

  Baldr and Kira, during downtime, sat in the cabin alone with Dress for therapy sessions. It was minor, but Ethan’s newfound sight had noticed when they left the blue man was calmer and the Berserker aspect struggled infinitesimally less murderously when watching Kyoko whenever her back turned. Kira still never let him go anywhere alone. A simple touch from her calmed his inner rabid beast. She also never let him and the object of his rage come within fifteen feet of one another. Baldr may have been bigger, stronger and faster than Kira, but as his soul mate she soothed the old pain. Plus her spell casting hands-down could pummel him without breaking a sweat. Once he was being a bigger fool than usual and her finger sparked green, he hung upside down by the ankle till he surrendered. As a stubborn Ogre, he didn’t relent till she flashed him her breasts. It was the ultimate weapon and he was putty in her hands the remainder of the day.

  Each moment, hour and day passed, Ethan noticed a drastic drop in power. The amulet around his neck weakened him the equivalent power generated by one solar system every tenth of a second. Som
e of the spells he had created in privacy had either disappeared or were dimmed to the point that their effects would not last eternally. Feeding Panther, Dallare and Kyoko energy also contributed to the decrease, but not nearly as much. Still, he had more power in one hand than in all the Milky Way Galaxy. But at the rate of loss it would be exactly as Kanade predicted. To cross to another realm meant his Spirit and or Demon Energy strength had to be equal or less than a two-tailed Kitsune or a Pixie.

  Those were the governing rules established by Order. On the mortal world none could be stronger than an Enforcer without feeling a great pressure that works like a poison. It will kill. Eventually. Especially on protected planets, which were few. Mainly to protect Spirit Energy beings with great power since souls powered Spirit World and in turn keep the mortal one going.

  It greatly prevented extremely powerful demons, lords and above, from passing through easily. Not without first greatly making oneself vulnerable to others till strength returned. The stronger a being is, the harder it is to pass. Or downright impossible in some cases. A rather genius trap to keep greed to a limit. Ethan knew it was what allowed creatures with Spirit Energy like Blake and the others to stand a fighting chance at survival. Otherwise Chaos would have won long ago. Chaos was older than Order and that means a lot. For certain demons, time and age means they steadily grow stronger. And some are beyond the term ancient. Some are so old and powerful they forget just how powerful they are.

  That is the most dangerous combination ever to be imagined. Ethan might not be ancient, but his abilities are just as perilous and why it was for the best interest of the mortal universe to leave.

  Kanade’s own weakening would be done a week before his, but she too found making a fist glow was more difficult than the day before. Even the shimmer of her wings were less luminous. Marginally, but clearly less. Especially in sunlight.

  Everyone had gathered by the time Methrom the red Dragon appeared with two gray Dragons smaller than himself, but still over a hundred feet in length, each carrying an Elf for instant travel around the globe.